Diversity and Special Features of Mallorcan Golf Courses
In Mallorca, golf courses are more than just sports venues. They are part of daily life, cultural heritage, and community connection – stories are shared, friendships are forged, and local traditions are maintained. With the wide selection of 24 golf courses in total will also satisfy professional golfers. For this reason too, the Golf Challenge Tour ends Road to Mallorca, on which the top 20 participants qualify for the European Tour, on the Balearic island.
Twenty golf courses are challenging 18-hole courses and four are attractive 9-hole courses. Players have the opportunity to compete on 21 of these courses for a green fee and can look forward to first-class playing and training conditions. Two golf courses in Santa Ponsa and the golf course La Reserva Rotana in Manacor are private pitches.
Golf courses in the southwest of Mallorca
The unique atmosphere of the southwestern golf courses
The golf courses in the southwest of the island offer a unique flair, shaped by the picturesque nature and mountainous landscape. Nestled in this breathtaking environment, the golf courses blend harmoniously with nature, whether directly by the sea or surrounded by majestic mountains.
Golf de Andratx: Challenges and Highlights
With a handicap of 28/35, one can on the 18-hole, PAR 72 golf course Golf de Andratx Set year-round amidst the mountains and the bay in Camp de Mar. The course was designed by Rodney Barr and Kurt Rossknecht, features a total of 60 sand bunkers, and is hilly with seven ponds. A special highlight is the “Green Monster” (Hole 6, PAR 5). At 609m, it is the longest hole in Spain and is particularly challenging due to its gradient, bunkers and ponds. Overall, the Championship course presents a high degree of difficulty. A little treat in between is offered by the Halfway House after hole 8, where you can fortify yourself with Mallorcan tapas and a cool drink. The golf facility is also interesting for spectators and guests – they can indulge themselves in the clubhouse and restaurant or browse in the pro shop.
T Golf Calvia: A Renovated Golf Paradise
Another challenging golf course is the Golf Club T Golf Calvià , which was extensively renovated in 2018. It is also an 18-hole, PAR 72 course and requires a handicap of 28/34. The first half is rather flat and the second part is rather hilly, with the course having an overall length of 6,426m, thus demanding practiced, long, and precise play. The Challenge Tour 2020 and 2021, as well as the Challenge Tour PRO 2021, took place here.
Santa Ponsa I Golf Course: A Legend Among Golf Courses
The Santa Ponsa Golf Course I Designed by Folco Nardi and Pepe Gancedo in 1977, it is a gem in the heart of Mallorca's golf scene. This par-72 course is notable for its long and challenging fairways, including one of Europe's longest par-5 holes on the 10th, measuring an impressive 590 metres. The golf course also boasts a rich history, having hosted the European Tour six times. Golfing legends such as Ballesteros, Langer, Olazábal, Woosnam, and many others have showcased their skills on this course. The next tournament, the “Torneo Reyes Magos,” is scheduled here for 13th January 2024.
More golf courses in Santa Ponsa: exclusivity and variety
The club is complemented by two further exclusive areas, reserved solely for members. The 18-hole golf course Santa Ponsa II Opened in 1991, it has a length of 6,053 metres. The 18th hole of this golf course is a highlight, as the par-3 hole features a green laid out on a piece of land shaped to resemble the island of Mallorca. Furthermore, this golf course also offers a variety of practice facilities. The driving range extends over an impressive 350 metres and offers tees on both sides, each over 100 metres in length. A putting green and a chipping green are also available. In 1995, the course was selected by the PGA (Professional Golfers‘ Association) as the venue for the Balearic Open. This prestigious event attracted some of the world's best golfers to showcase their skills on this challenging course. The winner of this Balearic Open in 1995 was G. Turner.
The third golf course in Santa Ponsa, Santa Ponsa III, founded in 1999, is a private short course with its nine holes. Members can enjoy themselves on the Pitch & Putt course with short holes ranging from 94 to 304 metres.
Golf courses in and around Palma
Arabella Golf Son Vida: Top-class golf courses
The most prominent golf courses in Mallorca are the four belonging to Arabella Golf Son Vida. The golf course Son Muntaner Opened in 2000, it is an 18-hole, par 72 course, which is the only golf course in the Balearic Islands that belongs to the European Tour Destinations association. Despite the relatively flat terrain, bunkers and ponds ensure a challenging difficulty, so a handicap of 36 is required. Particularly noteworthy are the covered driving range with ten bays and the dual tee. With the dual tee project, it is possible to tee off from the 1st hole and the 10th hole simultaneously. Furthermore, Son Muntaner Golf is the host of exciting events. From 20th to 23rd October 2022, over 12,000 visitors experienced the Mallorca Golf Open, and in 2023, the first professional event of the Ladies European Tour. In addition, the golf course has received the Gold Flag from 59club for the sixth consecutive time, recognising it as one of the best golf courses.
The counterpart to the rather flat Son Muntaner square is the Son Vida Golf Course. Designed by Hawtree in 1964 and redesigned by Rossknecht in 2001, the 18 holes, PAR 71 covering a distance of 5,601 metres weave through the villas of Son Vida. With a handicap of 54, you can particularly experience the highlight of the sixth hole. A PAR 5 measuring 461 metres offers a unique panorama of the Cathedral and the Bay of Palma from the tee. The otherwise medium difficulty is significantly increased by the 16th hole. The hole runs steeply downhill over a water hazard, demanding the utmost precision. The Son Vida golf course has also achieved the Bronze Flag from 59club. The Son Muntaner golf course is available as a driving range.
Son Quint Golf Course: Modernity meets Tradition
The third golf course in Son Vida is the course Quint's Son, which was designed by Espinosa and Rossknecht in 2007. The 18-hole course with a PAR of 72 and a total length of 5,750 metres invites aggressive play, which will be enjoyed by both beginner and advanced golfers. In particular, the back nine offers a beautiful panorama of the capital city, Palma de Mallorca.
Son Quint Pitch and Putt: Ideal for beginners and casual players
Next to the Son Quint golf course is the 9-hole PAR 3. Platz Son Quint Pitch and Putt. This fourth golf course in Son Vida was also designed by Rossknecht and Espinosa in 2009. The flat to undulating course has an easy difficulty level and all holes are PAR 3. A handicap of 54 is recommended, but you can also play without a club license.
Further challenges: Golf Club Son Termes and Real Golf de Bendinat
Further golf courses in the Palma area include the very challenging Golf Club Son Termes, which demands partially blind tee shots and Real Golf de Bendinat. Both courses assumed a handicap of 36.
Conclusion: The variety and beauty of golf courses in Mallorca
Overall, the golf courses in the southwest of Mallorca and in and around Palma offer not only an impressive variety for players of all levels, but also a breathtaking backdrop that makes the golfing experience in Mallorca unforgettable. Whether you are an experienced professional or a casual player, the island's golf facilities promise a challenging yet rewarding experience.
